Vote-Buying: Both Parties Commit a Crime – Lawyer Twumasi
Mr. Twumasi Ankra, a private legal practitioner, has raised concerns about the acceptance of vote buying as a norm in Ghanaian society.
Responding to reports of individuals being given money in Assin North to influence their votes, Mr. Ankra emphasized that both the giver and receiver of bribes have committed a crime.
In an interview on Nkwantannanso with George Agyei on June 27, he stated, “It is against the law for someone to be paid a bribe to vote. The one receiving and the person giving have both committed a crime.”
However, he acknowledged the reluctance of people to report such cases to the police, making it challenging to take legal action.
Mr. Ankra highlighted the importance of witnesses coming forward with evidence to report such incidents. However, he recognized the difficulty in finding witnesses willing to testify in court, as their testimonies may not always align with expectations.
“Even when there is a witness, it is challenging to establish that the money exchanged was indeed a bribe,” he added, noting the complexities involved in proving such cases.
According to Mr. Ankra, effectively addressing the issue of vote buying requires collective efforts from Ghanaians.
He stressed that relying solely on legislation would not be sufficient, as adherence to laws in Ghana is often lacking.
He emphasized the need for a united front and active participation from the public to combat this menace.
“It requires a collective effort,” he concluded, emphasizing that tackling vote buying requires a concerted commitment from society as a whole.
